Turning Away from the Kingdom of Darkness

In today's society, the prevailing notion is that "everyone has their own truth" and that situations are often more complicated than they appear. The idea that truth is subjective and relative is a dangerous way to think and can cause the lines of what is right and wrong to be blurred. As Christians, we are called to uphold the teachings of the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and guidance. We believe in the existence of the kingdom of God and light, as well as the kingdom of evil and darkness, which are distinct and absolute. In a society that often downplays the seriousness of darkness and evil, it is easy to become desensitized to the moral decay and spiritual warfare that surrounds us. This is why it is essential to be vigilant and discerning, guarding our hearts and minds against the influence of societal lies and deception. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light in a dark world, shining brightly with the truth of God's Word and resisting the temptations of the world.

Instead of relying solely on emotions and personal feelings to assess and make judgments on various topics and situations, it is essential to turn to Scripture for guidance and understanding of God's teachings. In Matthew 6:24, a powerful message is conveyed, stating, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our allegiance to God above all else, highlighting the incompatibility of serving both God and worldly desires simultaneously. By anchoring our beliefs and decisions in the wisdom given to us by Scripture, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose for our lives. It is through this alignment that we can truly embody the light that we are called to be in the world. When we choose to let go of the ways of darkness and fully commit ourselves to serving God, we reflect His glory and goodness to those around us. God's desire is for us to offer Him our whole-hearted devotion, to seek His kingdom above all else, and to live in accordance with His commandments. Despite our human weaknesses and shortcomings, God's grace and forgiveness are boundless, extending to us time and time again. It is through our continual repentance, faith, and surrender to His will that we can experience the fullness of His love and mercy in our lives.

This can be hard to fully understand and accept, especially when we have been entertaining darkness for so long. This can be profoundly isolating and filled with feelings of shame, making it seem impossible to receive love and forgiveness as the Lord promises. However, this is not the reality at all. Do not shy away from seeking His mercy and grace. I often distance myself from God when I make mistakes because I convince myself that my shortcomings make me undeserving of His affection. By believing these lies, I am consciously disregarding the teachings of Scripture. When we turn to the Bible, we discover that we are encouraged to draw near to Him. God’s love is unconditional, and He desires to meet us where we are, even in our shame.

Running toward God during times of shame takes faith. It requires vulnerability and the acknowledgment that we need His support to carry our burdens. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of individuals who faced shame yet found forgiveness in God's grace. Take Peter, for instance. After denying Christ, he experienced deep guilt but was restored by Jesus (John 21:15-17). This example serves as a strong reminder that God's plan for us remains unchanged, no matter our shortcomings. By embracing His grace, we have the opportunity for genuine healing and growth.

While we may stumble and face setbacks, God's grace is strong enough to raise us up again as 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches us, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." As we draw nearer to Him, we are made more like Jesus allowing His light to shine through us in a world often enveloped in darkness. By shifting our focus from our desires to seeking God’s will, we create room for fulfillment in our lives. Remember, shame does not need to push us away from God; it can inspire us to draw near.